O'Brien, who was in Pennsylvania to meet with university officials about the vacancy on Thursday, is expected to be announced as the school's new head coach on Saturday, according to Mortensen.

The 42-year-old coordinator has spent most of his coaching career in the college ranks. The Brown alum has spent time as an assistant at his alma mater, as well as Georgia Tech, Maryland and Duke. He joined the Patriots in 2007 and was named offensive coordinator prior to this season.

O'Brien will have his work cut out for him in Happy Valley. The Nittany Lions are in disarray following the Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal. That scandal led to the firing of longtime coach Joe Paterno who was replaced by Tom Bradley on an interim basis on Nov. 9.